Methods and apparatus for providing manual selection of a communication network for a mobile station

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for providing manual selection of a communication network for a mobile station are described. A plurality of communication networks are identified by scanning a coverage area within which the mobile station is operating. A plurality of network identifiers corresponding to the plurality of communication networks are then retrieved from memory of a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) in accordance with an Enhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol. Preferably, each network identifier is retrieved based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC). The plurality of network identifiers are visually displayed for user selection, and at least two of the network identifiers may be substantially the same. The user selected communication network is registered with and the network identifier associated with this network is visually displayed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of International Application No.PCT/CA03/00210, filed on Feb. 13, 2003, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Technology

The present application relates generally to mobile stations and networkselection methods employed thereby, and more particularly to manualselection of communication networks by mobile stations.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wireless communication devices, such as mobile stations, have theability to communicate with other devices (e.g. telephones, servers,personal computers (PCs), etc.) through wireless communication networks.A wireless communication network includes a plurality of base stations,each of which provides near-exclusive communication coverage within agiven geographic area. However, more than one wireless network istypically available in many, if not most, geographic regions in acompeting fashion. Typically, an end user contracts with and pays toreceive communication services exclusively from a single wirelessnetwork for a limited period of time (e.g. one year).

Although different networks are available, a mobile stationautomatically selects and registers with the contracted or preferrednetwork for operation. The name of the network within which the mobilestation is operating (e.g. “Cingular” or “AT&T Wireless”) is typicallydisplayed on its visual display. This name may be obtained and displayedin accordance with what is known as an “Operator Named String” (ONS)procedure. The mobile station typically receives a Mobile Country Code(MCC) and a Mobile Network Code (MNC) from the network that it registerswith, and retrieves and displays a network identifier name from memoryof a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) which corresponds to the uniqueMCC and MNC combination. A SIM is one type of “smart card” whichincludes a small processor and memory, and is connected to the mobilestation for customization and for identifying the end user.

In addition to this automatic network selection method, a mobile stationmay provide a method which allows the end user to manually select anavailable network. Here, the mobile station scans to identify aplurality of communication networks in a coverage area within which themobile station is operating, retrieves a plurality of networkidentifiers corresponding to the plurality of communication networksfrom memory of the SIM, visually displays the plurality of networkidentifiers, and awaits entry of the manually selected network by theend user.

Although exclusive service agreements typically exist between thesubscriber and the network, competing wireless networks have establishedrelationships whereby mobile stations can receive services through othernetworks when necessary or desired. For example, when a mobile stationis located in a geographic region where the contracted wireless networkhas not established any infrastructure, the mobile station may receiveservices and communicate through a different (and perhaps competing)network. Network relationships are basically arranged in one of twoways: (1) competitive but necessary; or (2) cooperative and desirable.In a more competitive network relationship, the subscriber is likely toincur additional service charges (e.g. “roaming” charges) for theabove-scenario. In a more cooperative network relationship, however, thesubscriber is likely to incur standard charges for the above-scenario.

Consider the scenario where two different networks have a cooperativeagreement as described above and little or no additional charges areincurred by use of the other's network. Per ONS, a network namedifferent from the contracted network name may be displayed on themobile station. This is often confusing to a subscriber who may believethat, for example, roaming charges are being incurred when in fact theyare not. Recently there has been a shift to provide an alternativenetwork naming method for automatic network selection, referred to as“Enhanced Operator Named String” (EONS) procedure. One purpose of thisrelatively new procedure is to reduce network naming confusion createdin scenarios like the one described above. Instead of displaying anetwork name that is different from the contracted network name for theabove-scenario, the same or substantially similar network name may bedisplayed even though a different network is actually being used.

However, there is no known procedure described for manual networkselection. Continued use of ONS for manual selection may be preferredfrom the standpoint of identifying the actual network which providesbetter services. On the other hand, subscribers often prefertransparency and simplification of operation and desire to understandwhen additional service charges may be incurred. Accordingly, there is aresulting need for improved methods and apparatus of providing manualselection of a communication network for a mobile station.

SUMMARY

Methods and apparatus for providing a manual selection of acommunication network for a mobile station are described. In oneillustrative embodiment, a plurality of communication networks areidentified by scanning a coverage area within which the mobile stationis operating. A plurality of network identifiers corresponding to theplurality of communication networks are then retrieved froth memory of aSubscriber Identity Module (SIM) in accordance with an Enhanced OperatorName String (EONS) procedure. Preferably, each network identifier isretrieved based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code(MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC). The plurality of networkidentifiers are then simultaneously visually displayed for userselection, where at least two of the network identifiers aresubstantially identical. The user selected communication network isregistered with and the network identifier associated with this network,retrieved in accordance with EONS, is visually displayed.Advantageously, EONS-based identifiers which reflect prearranged networkagreements are displayed for end user manual network selection,providing consistency and awareness of which networks may or may not besubject to additional charges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of present invention will now be described by way of examplewith reference to attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system which includes awireless communication device for communicating in a wirelesscommunication network;

FIG. 2 is a more detailed example of a wireless communication device foruse in the wireless communication network;

FIG. 3 is a particular structure of a system for communicating with thewireless communication device;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing a method of providing manualselection of a communication network in a mobile station in accordancewith the present application;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a visual display of a mobile station,showing a plurality of network identifiers for a plurality ofcommunication networks identified by scanning a coverage area withinwhich a mobile station operates in accordance with the presentapplication; and

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the visual display of FIG. 5, showing anetwork identifier of a manually selected communication networkaccording to the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication system 100 which includes awireless communication device 102 which communicates through a wirelesscommunication network 104. Wireless communication device 102 preferablyincludes a visual display 112, a keyboard 114, and perhaps one or moreauxiliary user interfaces (UI) 116, each of which are coupled to acontroller 106. Controller 106 is also coupled to radio frequency (RF)transceiver circuitry 108 and an antenna 110.

In most modem communication devices, controller 106 is embodied as acentral processing unit (CPU) which runs operating system software in amemory component (not shown). Controller 106 normally controls overalloperation of wireless device 102, whereas signal processing operationsassociated with communication functions are typically performed in RFtransceiver circuitry 108. Controller 106 interfaces with device display112 to display received information, stored information, user inputs,and the like. Keyboard 114, which may be a telephone type keypad or fullalphanumeric keyboard, is normally provided for entering data forstorage in wireless device 102, information for transmission to network104, a telephone number to place a telephone call, commands to beexecuted on wireless device 102, and possibly other or different userinputs.

Wireless device 102 sends communication signals to and receivescommunication signals from network 104 over a wireless link via antenna110. RF transceiver circuitry 108 performs functions similar to those ofbase station 120, including for example modulation/demodulation andpossibly encoding/decoding and encryption/decryption. It is alsocontemplated that RF transceiver circuitry 108 may perform certainfunctions in addition to those performed by base station 120. It will beapparent to those skilled in art that RF transceiver circuitry 108 isadapted to particular wireless network or networks in which wirelessdevice 102 is intended to operate.

Wireless device 102 includes a battery interface 134 for receiving oneor more rechargeable batteries 132. Battery 132 provides electricalpower to most, if not all, electrical circuitry in wireless device 102,and battery interface 132 provides for a mechanical and electricalconnection to the battery 132. Battery interface 132 is coupled to aregulator 136 which regulates power for the device. When wireless device102 is fully operational, an RF transmitter of RF transceiver circuitry108 is typically keyed or turned on only when it is sending to network,and is otherwise turned off to conserve resources. Such intermittentoperation of transmitter has a dramatic effect on power consumption ofwireless device 102. Similarly, an RF receiver of RF transceivercircuitry 108 is typically periodically turned off to conserve poweruntil it is needed to receive signals or information, if at all, duringdesignated time periods.

Wireless device 102 may consist of a single unit, such as a datacommunication device, a cellular telephone, a multiple-functioncommunication device with data and voice communication capabilities, apersonal digital assistant (PDA) enabled for wireless communication, ora computer incorporating an internal modem. Alternatively, wirelessdevice 102 may be a multiple-module unit comprising a plurality ofseparate components, including but in no way limited to a computer orother device connected to a wireless modem. In particular, for example,in the wireless device block diagram of FIG. 1, RF transceiver circuitry108 and antenna 110 may be implemented as a radio modem unit that may beinserted into a port on a laptop computer. In this case, the laptopcomputer would include display 112, keyboard 114, one or more auxiliaryUIs 116, and controller 106 embodied as the computer's CPU. It is alsocontemplated that a computer or other equipment not normally capable ofwireless communication may be adapted to connect to and effectivelyassume control of RF transceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 of asingle-unit device such as one of those described above. Such a wirelessdevice 102 may have a more particular implementation as described laterin relation to wireless device 202 of FIG. 2.

Wireless device 102 operates using a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)which is connected to or inserted in wireless device 102 at a SIMinterface 142. SIM 140 is one type of a conventional “smart card” usedto identify an end user (or subscriber) of wireless device 102 and topersonalize the device, among other things. Without SIM 140, thewireless device is not fully operational for communication throughwireless network 104. By inserting SIM 140 into wireless device 102, anend user can have access to any and all of his/her subscribed services.In order to identify the subscriber, SIM 140 contains some userparameters such as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI).In addition, SIM 140 is typically protected by a four-digit PersonalIdentification Number (PIN) which is stored therein and known only bythe end user. An advantage of using SIM 140 is that end users are notnecessarily bound by any single physical wireless device. Typically, theonly element that personalizes a wireless device terminal is a SIM card.Therefore, the user can access subscribed services using any wirelessdevice equipped to operate with the user's SIM.

SIM 140 generally includes a processor and memory for storinginformation. SIM and its interfacing standards are well known. Forinterfacing with a standard GSM device having SIM interface 142, aconventional SIM 140 has six (6) connections. A typical SIM 140 storesall of the following information: (1) an International Mobile SubscriberIdentity (IMSI); (2) an individual subscriber's authentication key (Ki);(3) a ciphering key generating algorithm (A8)—with Ki and RAND itgenerates a 64-bit key (Kc); (4) an authentication algorithm (A3)—withKi and RAND it generates a 32-bit signed response (SRED); (5) a user PINcode (1 & 2); (6) a PUK code (1 & 2) (this is also referred to as theSPIN); (7) a user phone book; (8) stored Short Message Service (SMS)messages; and (9) a preferred network list. SIM 140 may store additionaluser information for the wireless device as well, including datebook (orcalendar) information and recent call information. As apparent, some ofthe information stored on SIM 140 (e.g. address book information and SMSmessages) is initially received at wireless device 102 over wirelessnetwork 104 through its RF transceiver circuitry 108, or received fromthe end user through keyboard 114.

Some information stored on SIM 140 (e.g. address book and SMS messages)may be retrieved and visually displayed on display 112. Wireless device102 has one or more software applications which are executed bycontroller 144 to facilitate the information stored on SIM 140 to bedisplayed on display 112. Controller 144 and SIM interface 142 have dataand control lines 144 coupled therebetween to facilitate the transfer ofthe information between controller 144 and SIM interface 142 so that itmay be visually displayed. An end user enters user input signals atkeyboard 114, for example, and in response, controller 144 controls SIMinterface 142 and SIM 140 to retrieve the information for display. Theend user may also enter user input signals at keyboard 114, for example,and, in response, controller 144 controls SIM interface 142 and SIM 140to store information on SIM 140 for later retrieval and viewing.Preferably, the software applications executed by controller 106 includean application to retrieve and display address book information storedon SIM 140, and an application to retrieve and display SMS messageinformation stored on SIM 140.

In addition, SIM 140 includes information and files for EnhancedOperator Named String (EONS). EONS requires that two files be stored onSIM 140. The first file includes a list of address pointerscorresponding to combinations of Mobile Country Code (MCC), MobileNetwork Code (MNC), and Location Area Code (LAC). The address pointersare used to locate network names or identifiers stored in a list in thesecond file. EONS is described in, for example, 3GPP 51.001Specifications of the SIM-ME Interface R4 (v4.2.0 or later).

Wireless device 102 communicates in and through wireless communicationnetwork 104. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, wireless network 104 is aGlobal Systems for Mobile (GSM) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)network. Wireless network 104 includes a base station 120 with anassociated antenna tower 118, a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 122, aHome Location Register (HLR) 132, a Serving General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) Support Node (SGSN) 126, and a Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)128. MSC 122 is coupled to base station 120 and to a landline network,such as a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 124. SGSN 126 iscoupled to base station 120 and to GGSN 128, which is in turn coupled toa public or private data network 130 (such as the Internet). HLR 132 iscoupled to MSC 122, SGSN 126, and GGSN 128.

Base station 120, including its associated controller and antenna tower118, provides wireless network coverage for a particular coverage areacommonly referred to as a “cell”. Base station 120 transmitscommunication signals to and receives communication signals fromwireless devices within its cell via antenna tower 118. Base station 120normally performs such functions as modulation and possibly encodingand/or encryption of signals to be transmitted to the wireless device inaccordance with particular, usually predetermined, communicationprotocols and parameters, under control of its controller. Base station120 similarly demodulates and possibly decodes and decrypts, ifnecessary, any communication signals received from wireless device 102within its cell. Communication protocols and parameters may vary betweendifferent networks. For example, one network may employ a differentmodulation scheme and operate at different frequencies than othernetworks.

The wireless link shown in communication system 100 of FIG. 1 representsone or more different channels, typically different radio frequency (RF)channels, and associated protocols used between wireless network 104 andwireless device 102. Those skilled in art will appreciate that awireless network in actual practice may include hundreds of cells, eachserved by a distinct base station 120 and transceiver, depending upondesired overall expanse of network coverage. All base stationcontrollers and base stations may be connected by multiple switches androuters (not shown), controlled by multiple network controllers.

For all wireless device's 102 registered with a network operator,permanent data (such as wireless device 102 user's profile) as well astemporary data (such as wireless device's 102 current location) arestored in HLR 132. In case of a voice call to wireless device 102, HLR132 is queried to determine the current location of wireless device 102.A Visitor Location Register (VLR) of MSC 122 is responsible for a groupof location areas and stores the data of those wireless devices that arecurrently in its area of responsibility. This includes parts of thepermanent wireless device data that have been transmitted from HLR 132to the VLR for faster access. However, the VLR of MSC 122 may alsoassign and store local data, such as temporary identifications.Optionally, the VLR of MSC 122 can be enhanced for more efficientco-ordination of GPRS and non-GPRS services and functionality (e.g.paging for circuit-switched calls which can be performed moreefficiently via SGSN 126, and combined GPRS and non-GPRS locationupdates).

Being part of the GPRS network, Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 126 isat the same hierarchical level as MSC 122 and keeps track of theindividual locations of wireless devices. SGSN 126 also performssecurity functions and access control. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)128 provides interworking with external packet-switched networks and isconnected with SGSNs (such as SGSN 126) via an IP-based GPRS backbonenetwork. SGSN 126 performs authentication and cipher setting proceduresbased on the same algorithms, keys, and criteria as in existing GSM. Inconventional operation, cell selection may be performed autonomously bywireless device 102 or by base station 120 instructing wireless device102 to select a particular cell. Wireless device 102 informs wirelessnetwork 104 when it reselects another cell or group of cells, known as arouting area.

In order to access GPRS services, wireless device 102 first makes itspresence known to wireless network 104 by performing what is known as aGPRS “attach”. This operation establishes a logical link betweenwireless device 102 and SGSN 126 and makes wireless device 102 availableto receive, for example, pages via SGSN, notifications of incoming GPRSdata, or SMS messages over GPRS. In order to send and receive GPRS data,wireless device 102 assists in activating the packet data address thatit wants to use. This operation makes wireless device 102 known to GGSN128; interworking with external data networks can thereafter commence.User data may be transferred transparently between wireless device 102and the external data networks using, for example, encapsulation andtunneling. Data packets are equipped with GPRS-specific protocolinformation and transferred between wireless device 102 and GGSN 128.

As apparent from the above, the wireless network includes fixed networkcomponents including RF transceivers, amplifiers, base stationcontrollers, network servers, and servers connected to network. Thoseskilled in art will appreciate that a wireless network may be connectedto other systems, possibly including other networks, not explicitlyshown in FIG. 1. A network will normally be transmitting at very leastsome sort of paging and system information on an ongoing basis, even ifthere is no actual packet data exchanged. Although the network consistsof many parts, these parts all work together to result in certainbehaviors at the wireless link.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of a preferred wireless communicationdevice 202. Wireless device 202 is preferably a two-way communicationdevice having at least voice and data communication capabilities,including the capability to communicate with other computer systems.Depending on the functionality provided by wireless device 202, it maybe referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a cellulartelephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internetappliance, or a data communication device (with or without telephonycapabilities). Wireless device 202 may be a mobile station, as it is ina preferred embodiment.

If wireless device 202 is enabled for two-way communication, it normallyincorporates a communication subsystem 211, which includes a receiver212, a transmitter 214, and associated components, such as one or more(preferably embedded or internal) antenna elements 216 and 218, localoscillators (LOs) 213, and a processing module such as a digital signalprocessor (DSP) 220. Communication subsystem 211 is analogous to RFtransceiver circuitry 108 and antenna 110 shown in FIG. 1. As will beapparent to those skilled in field of communications, particular designof communication subsystem 211 depends on the communication network inwhich wireless device 202 is intended to operate.

Network access requirements will also vary depending upon type ofnetwork utilized. In GPRS networks, for example, network access isassociated with a subscriber or user of wireless device 202. A GPRSdevice therefore requires a Subscriber Identity Module, commonlyreferred to as a “SIM” card 256, in order to operate on the GPRSnetwork. Without such a SIM card 256, a GPRS device will not be fullyfunctional. Local or non-network communication functions, if any, may beoperable, but wireless device 202 will be unable to carry out its fullrange of functions involving communications over the network. SIM 256includes those features described in relation to FIG. 1. In particular,SIM 256 includes information and files for Enhanced Operator NamedString (EONS). As described earlier, EONS requires that two files bestored on SIM 256. The first file includes a list of address pointerscorresponding to combinations of Mobile Country Code (MCC), MobileNetwork Code (MNC), and Location Area Code (LAC). The address pointersare used to locate network names or identifiers stored in a list in thesecond file. EONS is described in, for example, 3GPP 51.001Specifications of the SIM-ME Interface R4 (v4.2.0 or later).

Wireless device 202 may send and receive communication signals over thenetwork after required network registration or activation procedureshave been completed. Signals received by antenna 216 through the networkare input to receiver 212, which may perform such common receiverfunctions as signal amplification, frequency down conversion, filtering,channel selection, and like, and in example shown in FIG. 2,analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion. A/D conversion of a received signalallows more complex communication functions such as demodulation anddecoding to be performed in DSP 220. In a similar manner, signals to betransmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, forexample, by DSP 220. These DSP-processed signals are input totransmitter 214 for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency upconversion, filtering, amplification and transmission over communicationnetwork via antenna 218. DSP 220 not only processes communicationsignals, but also provides for receiver and transmitter control. Forexample, the gains applied to communication signals in receiver 212 andtransmitter 214 may be adaptively controlled through automatic gaincontrol algorithms implemented in DSP 220.

Wireless device 202 includes a microprocessor 238 (which is oneimplementation of controller 106 of FIG. 1) which controls overalloperation of wireless device 202. Communication functions, including atleast data and voice communications, are performed through communicationsubsystem 211. Microprocessor 238 also interacts with additional devicesubsystems such as a display 222, a non-volatile memory 224, a randomaccess memory (RAM) 226, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems 228, aserial port 230, a keyboard 232, a speaker 234, a microphone 236, ashort-range communications subsystem 240, and other device subsystemsgenerally designated at 242. Data and control lines 260 extend betweenSIM interface 254 and microprocessor 238 for communicating datatherebetween and for control. Some of the subsystems shown in FIG. 2perform communication-related functions, whereas other subsystems mayprovide “resident” or on-device functions. Notably, some subsystems,such as keyboard 232 and display 222, for example, may be used for bothcommunication-related functions, such as entering a text message fortransmission over a communication network, and device-resident functionssuch as a calculator or task list. Operating system software used bymicroprocessor 238 is preferably stored in a persistent store such asthe non-volatile memory 224, which may, for example, be a flash memory,a battery backed-up RAM or similar storage element. Those skilled in theart will appreciate that the operating system, specific deviceapplications, or parts thereof, may be temporarily loaded into avolatile store such as RAM 226.

Microprocessor 238, in addition to its operating system functions,preferably enables execution of software applications on wireless device202. A predetermined set of applications which control basic deviceoperations, including at least data and voice communication applications(such as a network re-establishment scheme), will normally be installedon wireless device 202 during its manufacture. A preferred applicationthat may be loaded onto wireless device 202 may be a personalinformation manager (PIM) application having the ability to organize andmanage data items relating to user such as, but not limited to, e-mail,calendar events, voice mails, appointments, and task items. Naturally,one or more memory stores are available on wireless device 202 and SIM256 to facilitate storage of PI data items and other information.

The PIM application preferably has the ability to send and receive dataitems via the wireless network. In a preferred embodiment, PIM dataitems are seamlessly integrated, synchronized, and updated via thewireless network, with the wireless device user's corresponding dataitems stored and/or associated with a host computer system therebycreating a mirrored host computer on wireless device 202 with respect tosuch items. This is especially advantageous where the host computersystem is the wireless device user's office computer system. Additionalapplications may also be loaded onto wireless device 202 throughnetwork, an auxiliary I/O subsystem 228, serial port 230, short-rangecommunications subsystem 240, or any other suitable subsystem 242, andinstalled by a user in RAM 226 or preferably the non-volatile memory 224for execution by microprocessor 238. Such flexibility in applicationinstallation increases the functionality of wireless device 202 and mayprovide enhanced on-device functions, communication-related functions,or both. For example, secure communication applications may enableelectronic commerce functions and other such financial transactions tobe performed using wireless device 202.

In a data communication mode, a received signal such as a text messageor web page download is processed by communication subsystem 211 andinput to microprocessor 238. Microprocessor 238 preferably furtherprocesses the signal for output to display 222 or alternatively toauxiliary I/O device 228. A user of wireless device 202 may also composedata items, such as e-mail messages or short message service (SMS)messages, for example, using keyboard 232 in conjunction with display222 and possibly auxiliary I/O device 228. Keyboard 232 is preferably acomplete alphanumeric keyboard and/or telephone-type keypad. Thesecomposed items may be transmitted over a communication network throughcommunication subsystem 211.

For voice communications, the overall operation of wireless device 202is substantially similar, except that the received signals would beoutput to speaker 234 and signals for transmission would be generated bymicrophone 236. Alternative voice or audio I/O subsystems, such as avoice message recording subsystem, may also be implemented on wirelessdevice 202. Although voice or audio signal output is preferablyaccomplished primarily through speaker 234, display 222 may also be usedto provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, duration ofa voice call, or other voice call related information, as some examples.

Serial port 230 in FIG. 2 is normally implemented in a personal digitalassistant (PDA)-type communication device for which synchronization witha user's desktop computer is a desirable, albeit optional, component.Serial port 230 enables a user to set preferences through an externaldevice or software application and extends the capabilities of wirelessdevice 202 by providing for information or software downloads towireless device 202 other than through a wireless communication network.The alternate download path may, for example, be used to load anencryption key onto wireless device 202 through a direct and thusreliable and trusted connection to thereby provide secure devicecommunication.

Short-range communications subsystem 240 of FIG. 2 is an additionaloptional component which provides for communication between wirelessdevice 202 and different systems or devices, which need not necessarilybe similar devices. For example, subsystem 240 may include an infrareddevice and associated circuits and components, a Bluetooth™communication module, or an 802.11 communication module to provide forcommunication with similarly-enabled systems and devices. Bluetooth™ isa registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that “Bluetooth” and “802.11” refer to sets ofspecifications, available from the Institute of Electrical andElectronics Engineers (IEEE), relating to wireless personal areanetworks and wireless local area networks, respectively.

Wireless device 202 also includes a battery interface (such as thatdescribed in relation to FIG. 1) for receiving one or more rechargeablebatteries. Such a battery provides electrical power to most if not allelectrical circuitry in wireless device 202, and the battery interfaceprovides for a mechanical and electrical connection for it. The batteryinterface is coupled to a regulator which regulates power to all of thecircuitry.

FIG. 3 shows a particular system structure for communicating with awireless communication device. In particular, FIG. 3 shows basiccomponents of an IP-based wireless data network, such as a GPRS network.A wireless device 100 communicates with a wireless packet data network145, and may also be capable of communicating with a wireless voicenetwork (not shown). The voice network may be associated with IP-basedwireless network 145 similar to, for example, GSM and GPRS networks, oralternatively may be a completely separate network. The GPRS IP-baseddata network is unique in that it is effectively an overlay on the GSMvoice network. As such, GPRS components either extend existing GSMcomponents, such as base stations 320, or rely on additional components,such as an advanced Gateway GPRS Service Node (GGSN) as a network entrypoint 305.

As shown in FIG. 3, a gateway 140 may be coupled to an internal orexternal address resolution component 335 and one or more network entrypoints 305. Data packets are transmitted from gateway 140, which issource of information to be transmitted to wireless device 100, throughnetwork 145 by setting up a wireless network tunnel 325 from gateway 140to wireless device 100. In order to create this wireless tunnel 325, aunique network address is associated with wireless device 100. In anIP-based wireless network. however, network addresses are typically notpermanently assigned to a particular wireless device 100 but instead amdynamically allocated on an as-needed basis. It is thus preferable forwireless device 100 to acquire a network address and for gateway 140 todetermine this address so as to establish wireless tunnel 325.

Network entry point 305 is generally used to multiplex and demultiplexamongst many gateways, corporate servers, and bulk connections such asthe Internet, for example. There are normally very few of these networkentry points 305, since they are also intended to centralize externallyavailable wireless network services. Network entry points 305 often usesome form of an address resolution component 335 that assists in addressassignment and lookup between gateways and wireless devices. In thisexample, address resolution component 335 is shown as a dynamic hostconfiguration protocol (DHCP) as one method for providing an addressresolution mechanism.

A central internal component of wireless data network 345 is a networkrouter 315. Normally, network routers 315 are proprietary to theparticular network, but they could alternatively be constructed fromstandard commercially available hardware. The purpose of network routers315 is to centralize thousands of base stations 320 normally implementedin a relatively large network into a central location for a long-haulconnection back to network entry point 305. In some networks there maybe multiple tiers of network routers 315 and cases where there aremaster and slave network routers 315, but in all such cases thefunctions are similar. Often network router 315 will access a nameserver 307, in this case shown as a dynamic name server (DNS) 307 asused in the Internet, to look up destinations for routing data messages.Base stations 320, as described above, provide wireless links towireless devices such as wireless device 100.

Wireless network tunnels such as a wireless tunnel 325 are opened acrosswireless network 345 in order to allocate necessary memory, routing, andaddress resources to deliver IP packets. In GPRS, such tunnels 325 areestablished as part of what are referred to as “PDP contexts” (i.e. datasessions). To open wireless tunnel 325, wireless device 100 uses aspecific technique associated with wireless network 345. The step ofopening such a wireless tunnel 325 may require wireless device 100 toindicate the domain, or network entry point 305 with which it wishes toopen wireless tunnel 325. In this example, the tunnel first reachesnetwork router 315 which uses name server 307 to determine which networkentry point 305 matches the domain provided. Multiple wireless tunnelscan be opened from one wireless device 100 for redundancy, or to accessdifferent gateways and services on the network. Once the domain name isfound, the tunnel is then extended to network entry point 305 andnecessary resources are allocated at each of the nodes along the way.Network entry point 305 then uses the address resolution (or DHCP 335)component to allocate an IP address for wireless device 100. When an IPaddress has been allocated to wireless device 100 and communicated togateway 140, information can then be forwarded from gateway 140 towireless device 100.

Wireless tunnel 325 typically has a limited life, depending on wirelessdevice's 100 coverage profile and activity. Wireless network 145typically tear down wireless tunnel 325 after a certain period ofinactivity or out-of-coverage period, in order to recapture resourcesheld by this wireless tunnel 325 for other users. The main reason forthis is to reclaim the IP address temporarily reserved for wirelessdevice 100 when wireless tunnel 325 was first opened. Once the IPaddress is lost and wireless tunnel 325 is torn down, gateway 140 losesall ability to initiate IP data packets to wireless device 100, whetherover Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) or over User Datagram Protocol(UDP).

In this application, an “IP-based wireless network” (one specific typeof wireless communication network) may include but is not limited to:(1) a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network; (2) a General PacketRadio Service (GPRS) network for use in conjunction with Global Systemfor Mobile Communications (GSM) network; and (3) future third-generation(3G) networks like Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) andUniversal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). It is to beUnderstood that although particular IP-based wireless networks have beendescribed, the schemes of the present application could be utilized inany suitable type of wireless network.

The infrastructure shown and described in relation to FIG. 3 may berepresentative of each one of a number of different communicationnetworks which are provided and available in the same geographic region.One of these communication networks is selected by the wireless device,either in an automatic or manual fashion, for communications.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for describing a method of providing manualselection of a communication network for a mobile station. Such a methodmay be employed in connection with components shown and described abovein relation to FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 4 relates particularly to a methodemployed by a mobile station which operates in a wireless communicationnetwork within a given coverage area. The flowchart of FIG. 4 will bedescribed in combination with wireless device 202 of FIG. 2.

Initially, an end user of wireless device 202 uses keyboard 232 (orother user interface device) of wireless device 202 to navigate througha menu of features displayed on visual display 222. The end user findsand selects a “manual network selection feature” provided by wirelessdevice 202. Beginning at a start block 402 of FIG. 4, in response to theend-user's selection of the manual network selection feature, wirelessdevice 202 scans the coverage area to identify a plurality ofcommunication networks which are available to operate with wirelessdevice 202 (step 404). From each available network, wireless device 202receives a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and aLocation Area Code (LAC). Network identifiers for these communicationnetworks, which are stored on SIM 256, are retrieved in accordance withan Enhanced Operator Named String (EONS) procedure (step 406). At leasttwo of these network identifiers may be the same or substantiallyidentical, which may represent a cooperative relationship between thetwo different communication networks. The network identifiers for thecommunication networks are simultaneously visually displayed on display222 (step 408). Mobile station 202 then prompts the subscriber tomanually select a network through which to operate.

Referring briefly now to FIG. 5, a visual display 502 of a mobilestation is illustrated as displaying a plurality of network identifiers504 per steps 404-408 of FIG. 4. In particular, there are four (4)network identifiers shown in the example display 502 of FIG. 5,including “PROVIDER ABC-1”. “PROVIDER ABC-2”, “PROVIDER WXY”, and“PROVIDER EFG”. Service provider ABC is represented by the networkidentifier “PROVIDER ABC-1”. “PROVIDER ABC-2” represents a network thatis owned and operated separately from service provider ABC, although acooperative relationship exists between these two otherwise differentnetworks. As apparent, these first two network identifiers “PROVIDERABC-1” and “PROVIDER ABC-2” are substantially identical. The othernetwork identifiers are different from each other. In a typicalscenario, the subscriber will incur the same standard charges whetherPROVIDER ABC-1 or PROVIDER ABC-2 is selected. A visually displayedcursor prompt 506 or other mechanism is used to provide feedback to thesubscriber on which network will be selected.

Referring hack to the flowchart of FIG. 4, mobile station 202 receives auser input selection of a desired communication network through its userinterface (e.g. keyboard 232) (step 410). In response, mobile station202 uses its microprocessor 238 and communication subsystem 211 toregister with the communication network corresponding to the selectednetwork identifier (step 412). Mobile station 202 may perform any otherconventional task(s) required to operate as desired within the selectednetwork. Finally, mobile station 202 visually displays the networkidentifier of the selected communication network in visual display 222(step 414). In step 414, mobile station 202 may merely copy the networkidentifier already obtained via step 408, or alternatively may retrieveit again from memory of SIM 256 per EONS using the parameters previouslydescribed. Mobile station 202 then operates in the selectedcommunication network in a steady-state idle mode.

Referring briefly now to FIG. 6, visual display 502 is illustrated asdisplaying the selected network identifier corresponding to the networkmanually selected per steps 410-414 of FIG. 4. In particular, thenetwork identifier shown is “PROVIDER ABC-2”. In this particularexample, network services are not actually provided by service providerABC but rather by a separately owned and operated network which has acooperative relationship therewith. In a typical scenario, thesubscriber incurs standard charges with use of PROVIDER ABC-2, the sameas with PROVIDER ABC-1. In the most preferred operation, EONS is alsoused by mobile station 202 for automatic network selection.

Thus, methods and apparatus for manually selecting a communicationnetwork in a mobile station have been described. In one illustrativeexample, the inventive method includes the acts of scanning to identifya plurality of communication networks in a coverage area within whichthe mobile station is operating; retrieving, from memory of a SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM), a plurality of network identifiers correspondingto the plurality of communication networks in accordance with anEnhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol; wherein each networkidentifier is retrieved based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a MobileNetwork Code (MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC); simultaneouslyvisually displaying the plurality of network identifiers, including atleast two network identifiers that are substantially identical;receiving a user input selection of one of the communication networksafter visually displaying the plurality of network identifiers;registering with the selected communication network; and visuallydisplaying the network identifier associated with the selectedcommunication network.

An inventive mobile station includes a transceiver operative to scan toidentify a plurality of communication networks in a coverage area withinwhich the mobile station is operating; a Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) interface configured to receive a SIM; a processor operative toretrieve, through the SIM interface, a plurality of network identifierscorresponding to the plurality of communication networks in accordancewith an Enhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol; the processorbeing further operative to retrieve each network identifier based on aMobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a LocationArea Code (LAC); a visual display operative to simultaneously visuallydisplay the plurality of network identifiers; the processor beingfurther operative to receive a user input selection of one of thecommunication networks after visually displaying the plurality ofnetwork identifiers; the transceiver being further operative to registerwith the selected communication network; and the visual display beingfurther operative to visually display the network identifiercorresponding to the selected communication network.

Advantageously, EONS-based identifiers which reflect pre-arrangednetwork agreements are displayed for end user manual network selection,providing consistency and awareness of which networks may or may not besubject to additional charges. In addition, location-based nameretrieval provides a more accurate assessment of the actual networkavailable.

The above-described embodiments of invention are intended to be examplesonly. Alterations, modifications, and variations may be effected toparticular embodiments by those of skill in art without departing fromscope of invention, which is defined solely by claims appended hereto.

1. In a mobile station, a method for use in manually selecting acommunication network comprising: receiving, through a user interface ofthe mobile station, an end user input to perform a manual networkselection procedure; in the manual network selection procedure: scanningto identify a plurality of communication networks in a coverage areawithin which the mobile station is operating; retrieving a plurality ofnetwork identifiers corresponding to the plurality of identifiedcommunication networks in accordance with an Enhanced Operator NameString (EONS) protocol; visually displaying the plurality of networkidentifiers retrieved in accordance with the EONS protocol; receiving,through the user interface, a user input selection of one of theidentified communication networks as represented by the plurality ofnetwork identifiers being visually displayed; and registering with theselected communication network corresponding to the user inputselection.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the act of retrievingcomprises retrieving each network identifier based on a country code, aregion code, and a cell number.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theact of retrieving comprises retrieving each network identifier based ona Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a LocationArea Code (LAC).
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofnetwork identifiers comprises at least two network identifiers that aresubstantially the same.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the act ofretrieving comprises retrieving from memory of a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM).
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: visuallydisplaying the network identifier corresponding to the selectedcommunication network.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the act ofretrieving comprises retrieving from memory of a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM) based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code(MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC), further comprising: visuallydisplaying the network identifier corresponding to the selectedcommunication network.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobilestation comprises a Global System for Mobile (GSM) and General PacketRadio Service (GPRS) compatible mobile station.
 9. The method of claim1, comprising the further act of: providing an automatic networkselection method based on the EONS protocol.
 10. A mobile station,comprising: a user interface; a processor coupled to the user interface;the processor being operative to receive, through the user interface, anend user input to perform a manual network selection procedure; atransceiver being operative to scan, during the manual network selectionprocedure, to identify a plurality of communication networks in acoverage area within which the mobile station is operating; theprocessor being further operative to retrieve, during the manual networkselection procedure, a plurality of network identifiers corresponding tothe plurality of identified communication networks in accordance with anEnhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol; a visual display beingoperative to visually display, during the manual network selectionprocedure, the plurality of network identifiers retrieved in accordancewith the EONS protocol; the processor being further operative toreceive, through the user interface during the manual network selectionprocedure, a user input selection of one of the identified communicationnetworks as represented by the plurality of network identifiers beingvisually displayed; and the transceiver being further operative toregister with the selected communication network corresponding to theuser input selection.
 11. The mobile station of claim 10, wherein theprocessor is further operative to retrieve each network identifier basedon a country code, a region code, and a cell number.
 12. The mobilestation of claim 10, wherein the processor is further operative toretrieve each network identifier based a Mobile Country Code (MCC), aMobile Network Code (MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC).
 13. Themobile station of claim 10, wherein the processor and the visual displayare operative to retrieve and visually display, respectively, at leasttwo network identifiers that are substantially the same.
 14. The mobilestation of claim 10, further comprising: a Subscriber Identity Module(SIM) interface through which the processor is operative to retrieve theplurality of network identifiers.
 15. The mobile station of claim 10,wherein the visual display is further operative to visually display thenetwork identifier corresponding to the selected communication network.16. The mobile station of claim 15, wherein the processor is furtheroperative to retrieve each network identifier based a Mobile CountryCode (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC).17. The mobile station of claim 10, further comprising: a SubscriberIdentity Module (SIM) interface through which the processor is operativeto retrieve the plurality of network identifiers; wherein the processoris further operative to retrieve each network identifier through the SIMinterface based a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code(MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC); and wherein the visual display isfurther operative to visually display the network identifiercorresponding to the selected communication network.
 18. The mobilestation of claim 10, further comprising a Global System for Mobile (GSM)and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) compatible mobile station.
 19. Amethod of manually selecting a communication network in a mobile stationcomprising the acts of: scanning to identify a plurality ofcommunication networks in a coverage area within which the mobilestation is operating; retrieving, from memory of a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM), a plurality of network identifiers corresponding to theplurality of communication networks in accordance with an EnhancedOperator Name String (EONS) protocol; wherein each network identifier isretrieved based on a Mobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code(MNC), and a Location Area Code (LAC); in a manual network selectiontechnique: simultaneously visually displaying the plurality of networkidentifiers, including at least two network identifiers that aresubstantially identical; receiving a user input selection of one of thecommunication networks after visually displaying the plurality ofnetwork identifiers; registering with the selected communicationnetwork; and visually displaying the network identifier associated withthe selected communication network.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinthe mobile station comprises a Global System for Mobile (GSM) andGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) compatible mobile station.
 21. Amobile station, comprising: a transceiver operative to scan to identifya plurality of communication networks in a coverage area within whichthe mobile station is operating; a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)interface configured to receive a SIM; a processor operative toretrieve, through the SIM interface, a plurality of network identifierscorresponding to the plurality of communication networks in accordancewith an Enhanced Operator Name String (EONS) protocol; the processorbeing further operative to retrieve each network identifier based on aMobile Country Code (MCC), a Mobile Network Code (MNC), and a LocationArea Code (LAC); a visual display operative to simultaneously visuallydisplay the plurality of network identifiers for manual networkselection by an end user; the processor being further operative toreceive a user input selection of one of the communication networks forthe manual network selection after visually displaying the plurality ofnetwork identifiers; the transceiver being further operative to registerwith the selected communication network; and the visual display beingfurther operative to visually display the network identifiercorresponding to the selected communication network.
 22. The mobilestation of claim 21, comprising a Global System for Mobile (GSM) andGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) compatible mobile station.
 23. Themobile station of claim 21, wherein the processor is further operativeto retrieve the plurality of network identifiers from memory of the SIM.24. The mobile station of claim 21, wherein at least two networkidentifiers which are retrieved and visually displayed are substantiallythe same.